Greetings from Delegates and the Academic Community
C. Alvin Bowman, President, Illinois State University
Twenty minutes into my first meeting with Richard Wilson, it was apparent that Illinois Wesleyan University had hired a president who will build on the dramatic progress achieved by the institution over the past two decades. First and foremost, he is sensitive to the academic values that guide this great University. President Wilson embraces the centrality of a liberal education and the importance of learning to write clearly and persuasively, read carefully, evaluate evidence effectively, reason quantitatively and analytically, and think critically. Fundamentally, he recognizes that Illinois Wesleyan University is a community of scholars that is committed to academic excellence at all levels and to excellence in teaching, research and service to society.
With President Wilson's thoughtful, vigorous and visionary leadership, the institution will take full advantage of its distinctive identity while also exploring new directions for development and growth. I predict that under President Wilson's leadership, Illinois Wesleyan University will experience unprecedented progress and will become a stronger and more distinguished institution.
As I've gotten to know him, I've found that you have hired a leader, and I've found a friend.
